Tawny Cotton Grass
Eriophorum virginicum
It’s quite serene in the bog, a divine stillness really. I am certain it is a place we won’t likely bump into fellow (human) ‘woods walkers’, though it is evident that deer and moose are finding refuge in the bog. We follow their trails along the edge, and we can see where they have stopped to browse many of the water plants that grow there. This particular bog does not have much open water. It is covered with a thick mat of sphagnum moss, cranberries, three- seeded bog sedge (Carex trisperma), tawny cotton grass ( Eriophorum virginicum), rhodora ( Rhodora canadense), and Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum) to name a few. The color in the bog is stunning right now, although we love the beauty and diversity of these soggy habitats all year round. Now that the gardening season is winding down, it allows us to do a little exploring. If you know of a bog near you….treat yourself, and go check it out!
Larix laricina
Fernwood Nursery & Gardens 
When I was growing up we had a camp on a Vermont lake with a “floating island” bog in the middle. It was a magical place to me and even had pitcher plants and sundews. A remarkable botanical playground for a kid.
The plants we find in bogs are quite amazing, often having unique adaptations to survive the lack of nutrients and having their roots continuously soggy. I love the quiet of the bog, especially in the morning. You are right, a botanical playground!
I love that feeling when all of nature is “hushed”, like time is standing still. I just want to stay in it forever.
Not many people visit bogs ( thankfully), it does have a very serene feeling to it and we are very carefully to tread lightly there, not wanting to disturb its ecosystem, which is so precious. I love it most on a misty or foggy morning….delight.
Gorgeous photos, loving that rich colour of red wine contrasting with the greens. I’m impressed by your identification skills!
Thank you! Both Rick and I love visiting the blog and we both rely on our backgrounds in botany to identify plants….always spurred on by deep curiosity, of course!!
Denise, your good husband offered to stratify some seed for me when I visited this summer. Might he be willing to try oriental alkanet and rhodiola ? I got a small amount to start last winter but I have a sunny slope to cover which is rocky. We have a Native American restoration and medicinal plant sanctuary in Augusta on the Kennebec. Thank you Linda Harrell
Hello Linda, nice to hear from you and Rick said he may be able to help with your seeds. Can you give us a call to bring seeds by? 589-4726. We’re here working in the gardens or splitting wood most day, best to call to be sure we’re nearby. best to you, denise